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Bruce Springsteen Cancels North Carolina Show Over Anti-LGBT Law -- See What He Said

By Alex Ungerman 1:38 PM PDT, April 8, 2016

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Bruce Springsteen will no longer be performing in North Carolina this weekend.

In response to the state's passage of the controversial House Bill 2 -- often referred to as the "bathroom law" -- the "Born in the U.S.A." rocker announced in a statement to fans that he is canceling his concert on Sunday in Greensboro in support of the LGBT community.

Saying that the law "dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use," the statement noted,"The law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden."

"To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress," the 66-year-old musician continued. "Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments."

"Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters," he added. "As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have canceled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10th."

"Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them," Springsteen concluded. "It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards."

The law, which bars transgender people from using public restrooms in accordance with their gender identity, and which many believe also discriminates against LGBT Americans in the workplace, is one of several pieces of legislation across the country that have drawn backlash from celebrities and companies.

That particular law takes effect in July, and allows businesses, individuals and religious organizations in Mississippi to deny service to LGBT individuals, single mothers and any others who offend their "sincerely held religious belief."

“If you’re in Mississippi or North Carolina or anywhere, and you’re saddened by the fact that people are judging you based on who you love, don’t lose hope,” DeGeneres said during an emotional monologue. “I was fired for being gay, I know what it feels like. I lost everything. But look at me now.”

Meanwhile, a similar bill that passed in Georgia last month prompted Disney and Marvel to threaten a production boycott, should it be signed by Governor Nathan Deal. The NFL also put on pressure, raising the idea that the bill would impact their decision to host future Super Bowls in Atlanta.